III
Sweet Jesus went down to yonder town,
As far as the Holy Well,
And there did see as fine children
As any tongue can tell.
IV
He said, ‘God bless you every one,
And your bodies Christ save and see:
Little children, shall I play with you,
And you shall play with me?’
V
But they made answer to him, ‘No:
They were lords and ladies all;
And he was but a maiden’s child,
Born in an ox’s stall.’
VI
Sweet Jesus turnèd him around,
And he neither laughed nor smiled,
But the tears came trickling from his eyes
To be but a maiden’s child.
VII
Sweet Jesus turnèd him about,
To his mother’s dear home went he,
And said, ‘I have been in yonder town,
As far as you can see.